The Indian film industry and millions of fans are experiencing a poignant moment of pride and remembrance as the legendary actor Dharmendra is set to be honoured with the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award posthumously. The announcement, which came as part of the official Padma Awards list for 2026, was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day, bringing a wave of mixed emotions across the nation.
A Long-Awaited Recognition
Dharmendra, who passed away last year on November 24 at the age of 89, will receive India's second-highest civilian honour for his exceptional and enduring contributions to the field of art and cinema. The news has sparked reactions from colleagues, fans, and family members, with veteran actress and politician Hema Malini sharing her heartfelt thoughts on this significant recognition.
Hema Malini's Emotional Response
In an exclusive statement to ANI, Hema Malini expressed both happiness and a tinge of regret about the timing of this honour. "It makes us very happy, the entire country is happy," she said. "Had it come earlier, Dharmendra ji would have been extremely happy, and seeing him, his fans would have been even happier."
In a separate statement, the actress emphasized that this recognition had been long overdue and perfectly reflects the magnitude of Dharmendra's contribution to Indian cinema. "So so proud that the government has recognised Dharam ji's immense contribution to the film industry by bestowing on him the prestigious Padma Vibhushan award," she stated while also extending her gratitude to the Centre for acknowledging his remarkable legacy.
The Significance of Padma Awards
The Padma Awards represent India's highest civilian honours, presented in three distinct categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri. These prestigious awards are traditionally conferred by the President of India during formal ceremonies held annually, typically in March or April. The inclusion of Dharmendra in this esteemed list underscores his monumental impact on Indian cultural heritage.
Remembering the Original 'He-Man'
Affectionately known as Hindi cinema's original 'He-Man', Dharmendra enjoyed a career spanning more than six remarkable decades. He carved out an extraordinary place for himself in the hearts of audiences with his striking screen presence, warm smile, and remarkable versatility, earning his status as one of Indian cinema's most iconic and beloved stars.
His illustrious filmography includes landmark titles that have become integral to India's cinematic history. Among his most memorable works are classics like 'Sholay', 'Chupke Chupke', 'Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke', 'Ayee Milan Ki Bela', and 'Anupama'. The actor's final appearance was in the film 'Ikkis', which released posthumously in January this year, starring Agastya Nanda and Jaideep Ahlawat under the direction of Sriram Raghavan.
A Legacy That Lives On
While fans continue to mourn the loss of this cinematic giant, the Padma Vibhushan honour serves as a fitting tribute to a career that transcended generations and left an indelible mark on Indian entertainment. This posthumous recognition not only celebrates Dharmendra's artistic achievements but also ensures that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of actors and filmmakers.
The announcement has reignited conversations about his contributions, with many expressing that this honour, though delayed, appropriately acknowledges the depth and breadth of his work. As the film community prepares for the formal award ceremony, there's a collective sense of pride that one of their brightest stars is receiving the national recognition he so richly deserves.
